Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers, along with the LA Kings and The Forum in 1979 from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million, which was the biggest transaction in sports history at the time. Needless to say, that investment worked out well for him and his family.

“I really tried to create a Laker image, a distinct identity,” Buss said. “I mean, the Lakers are pretty damn Hollywood.” It was a remarkable winning streak for a man who dug his way out of a hardscrabble youth. […] “Jerry Buss helped set the league on the course it is on today,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said. “Remember, he showed us it was about ‘Showtime,’ the notion that an arena can become the focal point for not just basketball, but entertainment. He made it the place to see and be seen.”

Jerry Buss steered the Lakers to 31 playoff appearances in 33 seasons, 16 western conference titles and 10 NBA championships. May he rest in peace.